Railway Adventure Trail Albula

Exciting for young and old alike

The section of track between the Albula Tunnel and the Landwasser Viaduct on the Rhaetian Railway's Albula Line provides an impressive showcase of engineering skills from the pioneering days of the railway. The UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes not only comprises the two world-famous railway lines, but also the wonderful landscape itself.

The sections of track between Preda, Bergün and Filisur are among the most spectacular anywhere in the world. On the new Railway Adventure Trail Albula, which runs parallel to the railway line, you can experience the perfect interplay of landscape and technology on your own two feet. The three stages of the hike between the Albula Tunnel and Landwasser Viaduct introduce visitors to fascinating facts about the past and present of the railway and offer exciting new insights into the world of the railway, its technology, cultural impact and the everyday life of both the Rhaetian Railway and the people of the Albula Valley.

Albula/Bernina UNESCO World Heritage route

The Albula and Bernina section of track is a masterpiece in terms of civil engineering and routing. Landscape and railway blend into one: in wide radiuses, ingenious man-made structures punctuate rugged valleys. The Landwasser Viaduct, the helical tunnels between Bergün and Preda and the Brusio Circular Viaduct all stand testimony to the early, pioneering days of the railway.

Information boards

Technology, nature, culture and the everyday life of the RhB and the people of the Albula Valley are explained on 26 information panels along the Adventure Trail. Türli und Flidari (children's book available in the Railshop) relate entertaining stories for young ones.

Railway Adventure Trail Albula Guidebook

The book on the Albula Adventure Trail contains fascinating stories about the Albula Line and the people who live and work in the UNESCO World Heritage site. 132 pages of pictures, maps and diagrams from past and present. You can order the book via Railshop for CHF 12.00.

Bergün/Bravuogn Local History Museum

Located in an old house built in the traditional Engadin style, still with its original furnishings, the Local History Museum has exhibits on the culture and way of life in Bergün. A highlight is the model railway – a replica of the Preda - Bergün section of the line. There is also a small exhibition taking a look behind the scenes of the 1952 version of «Heidi», which was filmed locally in Falein, Latsch und Bergün.

Rent-a-Goat

Discover what life was like for Heidi and Peter the goatherd by taking a couple of shaggy, four-legged friends along with you on your hike. You can rent the goats from the Hof Plaschair farm in Bergün for up to three hours.

Difficulty and equipment

According to the Swiss Alpine Club's system of categorisation, the three stages of the Railway Adventure Trail are classified as T2 (mountain hike). Hiking experience and sure-footedness are an advantage. Good trekking or mountain boots are therefore recommended. Always keep an eye on the weather and carry some sort of rain protection with you.

Stage 1

Preda - Bergün

Start

Preda (1 789 m above sea level)

Destination

Bergün (1 373 m above sea level)

Hiking time

2 h 15 min to 2 h 45 min (indicative time)*

Difference in altitude (up/down)

approx. 60 / 480 metres

Distance

7.0 km

Characteristics

(T2) Mountain hike with medium degree of difficulty on well-surfaced but often narrow paths. Short, steep climb near the Rugnux helical tunnel.

* The times indicated are pure walking times. If you stop along the way to read the information panels, you may need double the time.